The IP multimedia subsystem (IMS), established as the foundation for future wireless and wireline convergence, is the bedrock that will facilitate easy deployment on new, rich, personalized multimedia communication services that mix telecom and data services. Designers, planners, and researchers of communication systems will need to make full use of the technology occurring with this convergence if they want to be the ones providing end users with new and efficient services that are as cost-effective as they are innovative.To provide researchers and technicians with the tools they need to optimize their role in this communication revolution, the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Handbookpresents all the technical aspects of the IMS needed to support the growth of digital traffic and the implementation of underlying networks. This guide covers everything from basic concepts to research-grade material, including the future direction of the architecture. Organized in three sections, the bookbrings together the technical savvy of 50 pioneering experts from around the world, providing complete coverage of relevant concepts, technologies, and services.Learn How IMS Will Speed Innovation Filling the gap between existing traditional telecommunications and Internet technologies, IMS has led to an environment in which new services and concepts are introduced more quickly than ever before, such as reusable service components and real-time integration. The technology promises to be a cost-effective evolutionary path to future wireless and wireline convergences that will meet next-generation service requirements.